Category Archives: Hollywood Studios

As the Rebel Alliance continues its fight for freedom and democracy in the Star Wars galaxy, the phantom puppetmaster himself, Darth Sidious (aka Emperor Palpatine), has issued a new galactic decree about Star Wars Weekends 2014 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

While some of his blue-hued holographic transmission was garbled, the Emperor has ordered his Galactic Empire to create a demonstration of force and power that can be seen high above Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends 2014. This has caused much talk in the galaxy that a gala fireworks show featuring Star Wars music will be presented each evening this year.

When consulted, several protocol droids further translated the Emperor’s message. These translations reinforced the conclusions that there will be a new evening experience for Star Wars Weekends guests on Hollywood Blvd. in the Walt Disney World Resort theme park.

However, that’s not the end of this story.

When the Rebel Alliance secretly learned of the Emperor’s plans from a hidden message decoded from an astromech droid, they decided to extend the galactic gala one more weekend in 2014.

In order to convince more guests to join the Rebellion, a 5th weekend is now being added to Star Wars Weekends 2014. The new event dates are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 16-June 15, 2014. The theme for this year’s event is, appropriately, “Join the Rebellion.”

Whether it’s new entertainment, character meet and greets, holiday celebrations or the return of annual theme park events, there’s a lot to look forward to at Disney Parks in 2014. That said, here are 14 reasons you should visit Walt Disney World Resort in 2014.

Meet Magician Mickey Mouse at Magic Kingdom Park. If you haven’t visited Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom Park lately, you’re in for a delight when you see the tricks Mickey has up his sleeve. Check out our video of the new experience in this previous blog post.

Another season of 2014 runDisney racing fun begins January 8, with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Check out runDisney’s official website for details on races both here and at the Disneyland Resort.

Visit Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Beginning January 26, Disney Junior stars,Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First, will greet guests during meals at the Disney Junior Play n’ Dine at Hollywood & Vine.

The Atlanta Braves will return to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for spring training, which means a chance to attend fun preseason games beginning in February.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns to the park March 5 – May 18. This annual festival, with its floral displays, topiaries, and food fun, will showcase Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy as this year’s lead topiary.

There’s always something fun planned for St. Patrick’s Day at Downtown Disney each year, especially at Raglan Road. Stay tuned for more.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will mark its 25th anniversary on May 1, 2014. Stay tuned for more on this milestone closer to time.

Star Wars Weekends will add more film fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 16-June 8, 2014.

Car Masters Weekend, an event that’s perfect for car lovers (and lovers of “Cars”), will return to Downtown Disney June 14 – June 15, 2014. Details still to come.

Spice Road Table, a new restaurant planned for the Morocco pavilion at Epcot, will open its doors in early 2014. Check out a sneak peek at the menu’s yummy dishes here.

Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade will debut at Magic Kingdom Park this spring. This new daytime parade will feature floats inspired by the films “The Little Mermaid,” “Tangled,” “Brave” and many more.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the latest and largest installment in the New Fantasyland expansion, will debut at Magic Kingdom Park in 2014 to tell the story of “Snow White” from the perspective of the Seven Dwarfs.

BONUS 15th Reason To Visit Walt Disney World:

Save Up to 30% on Select Rooms at Walt Disney World Resort This Spring!

If you’re considering booking a spring vacation, now is the time to do so. Guests who book their resort stays now through March 31, 2014, (for vacations taking place March 14 – April 12, 2014, and April 20 – June 15, 2014) may receive up to 30% off the cost of their room.

Plus, when you upgrade to a Magic Your Way package with a minimum four-day theme park tickets, you’ll get one more ticket day for free.

It’s time to grab your light sabers and make plans to attend Star Wars Weekends 2014 at Walt Disney World.

Disney parks has announced the dates for this year’s Force-filled special event.

Star Wars Weekends will be held every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 16-June 8, 2014 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Weekend I: May 16 – 18, 2014

Weekend II: May 23 – 25, 2014

Weekend III: May 30 – June 1, 2014

Weekend IV: June 6 – 8, 2014

Star Wars Weekends combines the power of the Force and the magic of Disney into a galactic special event that has become a fan favorite through the years. Star Wars Weekends features the largest collection of official Star Wars characters found at any theme park in the world, star conversations with Star Wars celebrities, a Death Star-sized motorcade through the park and plenty of entertainment fun for guests of all ages.

All across World Showcase, an exciting assortment of unique celebrations are taking place, each one just waiting to be discovered. Explore the cultures at participating pavilions—including China, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom and America—as you soak up the sounds of their featured bands or DJs.

But the party doesn’t stop there! Long before the clock strikes midnight, gather with Guests of all ages around World Showcase Lagoon for a special rendition of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Marvel at the spirited message this showcase of humanity has to offer, complete with a holiday grand finale featuring a seasonal message of peace and goodwill.

Finally, indulge 2013 with a lasting “bon voyage” courtesy of the New Year’s Countdown Fireworks—an exhilarating cherry topping off the extravaganza and lighting up the skies above Epcot!

Pay tribute to the last remaining minutes of 2013 with colorful sights, classic sounds and cinematic tidings for all. You won’t want to miss the New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring Mulch, Sweat and Shears at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Come December 31, 2013, experience the magic when “rake and roll” cover band Mulch, Sweat and Sheers takes the stage for a set of iconic songs—some you might love and others you could be hearing for the first time!

Then, as midnight makes its approach, gaze upward in anticipation as the evening ignites into an amazing shower of shimmering light. Watch in wonder as these majestic fireworks unfold above you and cascade into a glimmering scene sure to inspire awe in one and all!

Bear witness to the magic of the New Year as you christen 2014 in the grandest of fashions—it’s the New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring Mulch, Sweat and Shears, only at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Blast off into a fantastic new year as the evening blooms and ignites into a frenzy of color and light. Prepare yourself for the Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks, an extraordinary holiday display at Magic Kingdom Park!

From Main Street, U.S.A. to Liberty Square to the forests of New Fantasyland, get ready to gaze in amazement as the evening sky illuminates into an unforgettable New Year’s Eve spectacle! No matter which iconic land you might find yourself in, see the park in an all-new light as you’re surrounded by a thunderous shower of celebratory sparkles.

Rest assured, this is one midnight countdown set to usher in 2014 in the most memorable way possible. Immerse yourself in the Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks—taking place December 31, 2013, only at Magic Kingdom park!

The holiday season is one of the absolute best times of the entire year at Walt Disney World Resort. Much of the fun is already in full swing, from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And starting November 29, Holidays Around the World returns for another festive season at Epcot.

Throughout the day, World Showcase comes alive with holiday traditions from around the globe. Visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus atThe American Adventure, and wish them a “Merry Christmas!” Enjoy tales from kind-hearted witch La Befana in Italy Pavilion, the agile Monkey King in China Pavilion, and Los Tres Reyes Magos in Mexico Pavilion. From celebrations of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to Japanese customs of the new year, you’ll be immersed in the cultural heritage of each nation.

New to Holidays Around the World this year are the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs. This group, featuring members of the popular Celtic rock band Off Kilter, will take you on a musical journey across the Great White North, exploring unique holiday traditions from the various regions of Canada. It promises to be a rousing, tune-filled good time!

Of course, there’s even more to enjoy at Holidays Around the World. You won’t want to miss the uplifting “Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season” and the inspiring, nightly Candlelight Processional. And cap off your day with a spectacular grand finale to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” bringing a holiday message of peace and goodwill – along with a ton of impressive fireworks!

There’s a feast of dining options for the upcoming holidays at Walt Disney World Resort. Starting with Thanksgiving Day and continuing through Christmas. Special menus include all the classics – turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes and all your favorites!

In the theme parks, Thanksgiving specials are on the menu for lunch and dinner:

At Downtown Disney, Fulton’s Crab House and Portobello will have a holiday prix fixe offering.

In the resorts:

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground — Mickey’s Backyard Christmas Day Feast at Mickey’s Backyard BBQ show located at the Fort Wilderness Pavilion. Two shows at 5 and 7 p.m. will offer all the holiday classics. (Trail’s End Restaurant is also offering lunch and dinner options.)

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts – Cape May Café will be serving hand-carved smoked ham with winter pineapple chutney and turkey with stuffing. Captain’s Grille will offer a holiday buffet. Yachtsman Steakhouse will feature a special menu.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort – The Wave … of American Flavors will offer a special menu. And Chef Mickey’s will offer a Christmas Day brunch.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa – Cítricos will have two seatings at 5 and 7:30 p.m. as well as special Christmas Day seating in the private Chef’s Domain, offering a four-course menu.

Shaded by big umbrellas, guests can sip wine, beer and cocktails such as a classic Mint Gimlet (Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, simply syrup, lime juice and fresh mint) or a Bloody Mary with Absolut Peppar Vodka. There are flights of martinis, Champagne, wines, Scotch and Grand Marnier. And wine by the glass or half bottle.

You can also just stop for dessert, with Chocolate Three Ways (praline milk chocolate cream, crunchy ganache and orange-chocolate mousse), a banana-white chocolate toffee tower on a cocoa-almond cookie and bananas Foster, or strawberry Champagne cheesecake.

Seating is first-come, first-served, with no reservations. Tables in Wonderland discount is applicable, but Disney Dining Plan is not accepted.

“Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studiosbecame the first Walt Disney World Resort Entertainment offering to debut the addition of “Glow With the Show” ear technology. Were you there? The “oohs” and “ahhs” coming from the crowd made the unveiling positively thrilling to see in person. I went with some friends and my wife, who transformed into a 6 year old girl…the look in her eyes was magical!

Disney Parks Bog revealed that from now on, the new ear hat technology will be featured as a regular part of the nightly show. Guests who wish to purchase “Glow With the Show” ear hats can do so at merchandise locations throughout the park and they are currently available inside the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater.

Check out the video below for a look at the show’s debut – and don’t forget that “Glow With the Show” ears will debut at Magic Kingdom Park this Saturday night (October 19), during the “Celebrate the Magic” nighttime projection show and “Wishes” fireworks.

There is nothing like Walt Disney Worldat Christmas time. No matter where you turn, you are immersed in the wonders of the Holidays. I thought I would share seven of my top “Must Do’s” when I visit during the Holiday season. I look forward to doing each of these things among the many other attractions, and fun Disney has to offer. Get ready to imagine yourself at Disney during the holidays!

1. Take an true adventure in the evenings to Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. There is nothing like it! Decorations galore – not just by Disney but many of the campers participate! December is the perfect month to experience it all.

You can plan this time out as some of the activities need reservations. Start off by scheduling dinner at Trails End, then schedule a Holiday Sleigh Ride! Yes – I said Sleigh Ride. You can of course choose to walk through the campground, but riding is a lot of fun too. Sleigh rides are typically 25 minutes and run about $60.00. Your Travel Planner can help you make the reservations. You won’t be disappointed!

2. Take a Holiday Deluxe Resort tour. This is something I really enjoy once the decorations go up and are completed around Thanksgiving. Each resort has a unique decorated theme and one more wonderful than the next. I usually break this up into two days, but you can do it in one day. I explore the Magic Kingdom Resorts the day I plan to go to the Magic Kingdom and then do the Boardwalk Resorts the day I am at Epcot.

For the Magic Kingdom – I start by taking the boat from the Magic Kingdom to the Wilderness Lodge. After the Wilderness Lodge I take the boat to the Contemporary and then make my way around the monorail. The last stop is The Grand Floridian – where the smell of the life size Gingerbread house engulfs the entire resort grand lobby. You have to buy a little gingerbread!

Don’t miss the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is a stop all of it’s own, but worth seeing. If you want to complete your tour in one day – you can hop back on the monorail and change at Ticket Transportation to the Epcot Monorail.

Once at Epcot walk toward the back entrance between the United Kingdom and France and take a stroll to the Boardwalk Resort. Stop by the bakery for a little treat. Then visit the Beach Club and the Yacht Club. A fantastic way to end my tour is to attend the Candlelight Processional at Disney’s Epcot. It gives me goose bumps every time I attend.

3. Enjoy the Epcot Storytellers! This is a treat for the whole family to experience. Each country will share their legends with Storytellers. They perform several times a day and begin in early November and end around the 29th of December. Even Santa and Mrs. Claus make their appearance in the American Adventure! Make a photo journal or have the children commentary a video with your family to remember some of these great stories.

4. Joyful! The Gospel Celebration of the Season at Epcot. We often just stumble upon such great shows at Disney – this is one not to be missed. Located just pass the Fountain of Nations as you head toward World Showcase a blast of wonderful holiday music will really get you in the mood! Sing and Dance along!

5. Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now I don’t mean just going to see it – I mean being there when they are turned on at dusk. If you are one of the lucky ones you can be chosen to flip the switch! There is no light display that can match this one and you can experience it! If you have some 3-D glasses at home, put them in your suitcase and take them on the night you do this activity – Osborne Lights in 3-D – very cool too!

6. The Cinderella Castle Lighting — another truly Magical Moment at the Walt Disney World Resort. At 6:30 Each evening you can be amazed when the Castle Lighting takes place. You have always thought the Castle looks beautiful, but when Fairy Godmother works her magic you will have never guessed what she could make happen!

7. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — is one of the more well known events at the Magic Kingdom and is a personal favorite of mine. Snuggle up in your Mickey Santa Hat, scarf and some gloves and head out for a Magical Celebration of the season. Snow on main street, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Holiday parade, hot chocolate and cookies and so much more! Just seeing the characters dressed in their Holiday best warms the heart.

Guest Author – Laura Schiely

I am a Certified Travel Agent specializing in Disney Destinations including Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise , Disneyland and Disney World. I also specialize in Universal Orlando, Princess Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Sandals and Beaches. As a Travel Planner, I work with my clients to develop a memorable vacation from the point of selecting a vacation destination, to planning the details and follow up when they arrive home. As a home based agent, I have the opportunity to be available for them when they need me. I value my clients time, budget and experience and treat each vacation as if it were my own. Contact me HERE.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will have 19 magical nights from November 8-December 20. For a quarter century, Walt Disney World Resort guests have been mesmerized by this must-see event, a grandly festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit.

Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade and favorite holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests can enjoy new experiences and attractions at New Fantasyland. NOTE: this is a hard ticket special event after regular park hours; purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. Please let your Kingdom Magic Travel Planner know and they can add this to your trip!

Entertainment, Fireworks and More: Santa’s elves have transformed the Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland with festive wreaths, bows, garland, sparkling lights, parades and towering Christmas trees. The fun includes the Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season nighttime fireworks spectacular, plus live entertainment with Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays.

Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle: Cinderella Castle transforms into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays — thanks to a special effects spectacle bathing the castle in 200,000 shimmering white lights. Magic Kingdom guests are treated nightly to the dramatic castle celebration and stage show.

The Candlelight Processional is a timeless holiday offering at Epcot that combines seasonal music with the poignant reading of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a mass choir performing seasonal melodies, and a 50-piece live orchestra nightly November 29 – December 30, at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.at America Gardens Theater stage on select nights.

Guests can purchase a Candlelight Dining Package, which combines lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants with guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional and VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. For more information and reservations, click here!

Holidays Around the World: Guests become immersed in the festivities, as they experience a celebration of the holidays from the various countries throughout World Showcase. The merriment continues with meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus the nightly “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” laser, light, fireworks display capped with a seasonal finale.

Celebrate safari style as Disney’s Animal Kingdom is wilder than ever this winter season. Mickey and his pals rejoice in traditional holiday music with a world beat twist during the daily “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” Nov. 7, 2013 to Jan. 2, 2014.

Get all your Christmas shopping done at Downtown Disney during Festival of the Seasons. The shopping mecca is draped with yuletide cheer, plus live entertainment, holiday carolers, a lively street party, plus photo ops with Santa and Santa Goofy.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

The resorts are dressed up for the holidays with festive décor, gingerbread houses and more. And guests can experience even more magic this season with great pricing. Contact Kingdom Magic to find out how you can experience all the magic and cheer of Walt Disney World during the holidays!

Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to each ship, beginning early November through the new year, with traditional “turkey day” fanfare, Christmas feasts, “snow flurries,” New Year’s Eve galas and Disney friends dressed for the occasion.

Special stem-to-stern holiday events include a nightly tree lighting in the atrium lobby, visits from Santa Claus and his elves, traditional holiday feasts, family holiday crafts, holiday storytellers and more. When the ships stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, during the holidays, the celebration continues with “snow flurries,” a decked-out Christmas tree, Disney character meet-and-greets and holiday island music.

Guests will enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving Day feast, with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire. On Christmas Eve, guests can leave milk and cookies for Santa when he visits the ship at midnight.

Christmas services will be held on Christmas Day with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve, and Hanukkah services will be held each day, Nov. 28 – Dec. 5.

To celebrate the new year, voyages include a special New Year’s Eve party to ring in 2014, complete with music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes and a midnight countdown with balloon drops.

Don’t Miss a Minute of the Holiday Fun at Walt Disney World or on Disney Cruise Line, Contact Kingdom Magic Vacations to Book Your Holiday Trip Today!

A major addition was made to Main Street U.S.A as Walt Disney World officially reopened the Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom Park – a favorite stop for many Disney fans. And on the menu for the first time at Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll now find Starbucks drinks and food along with delicious Disney house-made treats.

After the official opening ceremony, Main Street Bakery served up Disney cookies, brownies and cupcakes to Magic Kingdom Park guests. Starbucks offerings include coffee and espresso beverages and Frappuccino® blended beverages, as well as breakfast sandwiches and pastries.

Main Street Bakery, which is designed to fit with the current theme of Main Street, U.S.A., won’t be the only Walt Disney World Resort location to serve Starbucks. As previously announced, other locations are coming to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

And, at the Disneyland Resort in California, the Market House, serving Starbucks, is scheduled to reopen on Main Street, U.S.A., in September.

Let us know what you’re looking forward to ordering during your next visit to the Main Street Bakery in the comments below.

At Walt Disney World Resort, the July Fourth fireworks spectacular will rocket into the air above Cinderella Castle every night with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” The dazzling display at Magic Kingdom Park will be orchestrated to an upbeat musical tribute to America as patriotic lighting covers the Castle.

The Walt Disney World Resort fireworks spectacular takes place at 9 p.m. on July 3 and 4, and 10 p.m. on July 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7.

Walt Disney World Resort guests will also be treated to a fun-filled spectacle as Goofy, Donald and Pluto, dressed as a colonial fife and drum corps, join a spirited procession down Main Street, U.S.A, prior to the daily Celebrate a Dream Come True parade at Magic Kingdom Park. The pre-parade features the Main Street Philharmonic, Citizens of Main Street and Walt Disney’s historic horse-drawn calliope.

Across the Resort, you will also find treats inspired by our traditional American celebration. You’ll be able to try the Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake at Storybook Treats in Magic Kingdom Park and the Fourth of July Cupcake with apple pie filling, caramel buttercream and apple crisp topping at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or Downtown Disney. At Epcot, you can taste the Skillet-Baked Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Whipped Cream or the Red, White and Blue “Baked Alaska” Mousse.

At the Disneyland Resort, we’re saluting our nation’s birth in a big way with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.”

The Disneyland Resort fireworks spectacular will be held each night at 9:30 p.m. during Independence Week.

And at the Disneyland Resort, you can enjoy Red, White and Blue Mason Jar Desserts at Carnation Café, and Patriotic Cotton Candy, Apple Pie Pockets or 4th of July Cupcakes, in shops all along Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park.

Whichever Disney park you visit in America, you’ll discover a week long celebration from July 1-7.

Join Star Wars celebrities and characters, check out Star Wars-inspired merchandise, try out the D-Tech Me experience, and more at the annual festival. Read the posts below to find out how you can visit a galaxy far, far away, now through June 9, 2013 at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Also new this year is a photo opportunity with a “life-size” rancor. The giant beast, which was Jabba the Hutt’s prized pet in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, will be on display during the event. The handcrafted replica is 17 feet long and weighs more than 700 pounds. The reptomammal sculpture is well-traveled — it’s a popular piece at Star Wars events around the globe and will make its way to our park for Star Wars Weekends.

A trio of specialty “one-man shows” will be presented this year, giving guests a peek into the on- and off-screen worlds of three Star Wars celebrities — James Arnold Taylor, Ray Park and Warwick Davis.

“Obi-Wan & Beyond” (each event day) stars James Arnold Taylor. James takes audiences on a journey into his wonderful world of voice acting.

“Visit to the Maul” (Weekends I and II) features Ray Park. Guests can see a demonstration of amazing martial arts skills by the actor who portrayed Darth Maul on the silver screen.

“An Ewok’s Tale – my short story” (Weekends II and III) stars Warwick Davis. Guests get a unique look into the fascinating world of this Star Wars legend.

As you plan your visit to Star Wars Weekends, be aware that many of the behind-the-scenes shows reach capacity quickly, so arrive early. Also, you’ll want to arrive early to the park if you would like to get a celebrity autograph.

It’s Summertime and that means we need to countdown all the great things to to this Summer at Walt Disney World Resort! Drum roll please…

10 -Walt Disney World Resort will be kicking off Monstrous Summer with an all-nighter at Magic Kingdom Park. On May 24 and help Disney charge up with scream energy to power Magic Kingdom Park for an entire 24 hours!

9 -If all-nighters aren’t your thing, don’t worry. A lot of the Monsters University students will be setting up shop around Disney’s Hollywood Studios to meet their biggest fans all summer long.

8 -Amid all this monstrous excitement, look for the “Monsterail” as it zips around in scare-riffic style. Text your favorite joke and see if it gets into the show at the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom Park. And make a note to see Disney•Pixar “Monsters University,” premiering June 21 at the AMC Downtown Disney 24 Theatres at Downtown Disney West Side!

7 -Get ready to take a swim without setting foot in the water! Visit New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park and check out Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid. You’ll be delighted with a lineup of familiar characters and favorite nautical songs.

6 – Since you’re already in Magic Kingdom Park, make sure to track down a secret frosty treat, the Dole Whip! Dating back to when Walt first opened Disneyland park, the Dole Whip is an elusive pineapple-flavored ice cream concoction that you can only find in a few locations worldwide!

5 – Sometimes summer weather is best served inside a relaxing (and not to mention air-conditioned) lounge. Soothe away your stresses with one of the many spa treatments at Senses Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to conquer the dog days of summer.

4 – With the kids’ summer break looming, a night out at Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney is the perfect escape. Roll your way through a few frames and some fresh sushi in this beautifully styled restaurant, lounge and bowling alley.

3 – What fun would summer be without a trip to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park? Enjoy steep drops and adventurous water rides. Sometimes a lazy river can’t match the huge thrill of a plunge down Summit Plummet!

2 – Make some time in your schedule for a lap around Test Track Presented by Chevrolet at Epcot. You’ll cool off with speeds up to 65 mph and the gusts that come with them as you tear through the newly re-imagined track.

And our Number 1 Walt Disney World Resort Summertime Favorites…

1 – The perfect way to end a perfect summer day is with a perfect summer night! Visit one of our nighttime fireworks spectaculars that you’ll find in Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot.

That’s our list…what would YOUR Top Ten be for a MONSTER-ous Summer at Walt Disney World?

For one day only, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present a “Limited Time Magic” event for the annual, fan-proclaimed “Star Wars Day,” May 4 – a date that Star Wars fans worldwide turn into a celebratory pun, “May the Fourth Be With You!”

Separate from Disney’s month-long Star Wars Weekends special event (which begins May 17), this “Limited Time Magic” celebration features special Star Wars entertainment, characters, commemorative merchandise, a Star Wars dance party and a Star Wars-themed fireworks show to cap off the day.

You might even find yourself sitting next to Chewbacca aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. Star Wars characters will make surprise appearances on the 3-D attraction to enjoy the wild journey through space alongside park guests.

A special edition of Jedi Training Academy also is planned that day, with parents invited to join their children (ages 4-12, sign-ups required on first-come basis) on-stage for the training and final showdown with the Empire.

When the sun goes down, galactic fun lights the night as Lobot (from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back) takes over as DJ for a dance party that will be highlighted by a special Star Wars fireworks show.

“May the Fourth Be With You” “Limited Time Magic” park activities and shows are included in regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.